4.5Creation Museum(2.396 reviews) - Great Museum Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Natural History Museums
Wonderfully put together museum that combines natural history, Bible history, and creation theory. Great exhibits and enjoyed the 4D theater. Price is a bit expensive but I got the combo pack which was a good deal which included the Ark Encounter, another great museum 40 minutes away south. Totally worth a visit but recommend to go off peak as it could get crowded and might be hard to fully enjoy everything.See more..
4.5Frazier History Museum(826 reviews) - Start here for bourbon trail experience Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Frazier History Museum is the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and where the world meets Kentucky. Located in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, a part of "Museum Row on Main," this Kentucky museum has an extensive collection of historical items, famous weaponry, a large Bourbon exhibit, Cool Kentucky exhibit, Lewis & Clark Experience, Ashley Judd narrated short film KentuckyShow!, private tours, bourbon tastings, Kentucky-themed gift shop, and more. Famous historical items include the Bloedner Monument - the oldest Civil War monument, Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick", Geronimo's bow & quiver of arrows, Custer's ivory pistols, George Washington's rifle, fossils dating back to the ice age, and more. The Frazier also hosts 200 events every year including weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, etc. We have nine venues unique to the Frazier, including a Rooftop Garden overlooking downtown Louisville, we will offer you a day you won't forget.See more..
4.5Mary Todd Lincoln House(748 reviews)from $16.35 - Small home, must see. Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Discover one of America's most fascinating first ladies during a visit to her girlhood home. The wife of President Abraham Lincoln grew up in this house. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visited her family here. Today the fourteen-room house contains period furniture, portraits, and furnishings. The museum offers self-guided tours with limited capacity and timed entry. After the tour, guests are welcome to visit the Museum Store and the small garden. The property is located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Convenient walking distance to local hotels and restaurants. Free parking is located directly behind the house. Guests may park in the museum’s designated parking or in the neighboring lot behind Main Street Baptist Church. Metered parking also available on Main Street. Holiday schedule varies. Open seasonally March 15th - November 30th.See more..
4.0Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum(549 reviews) - Museum/Restaurant combination was awesome! Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM History Museums
Wow, I had no idea that the museum was also an active KFC. So, you can literally eat inside where the museum is located. This is a franchise, so it is independently owned from the actual corporation as the guy who had worked for them 46 years told me. He had returned from retirement to work a couple of days a week after reopening not that long ago. This was among things I had also chosen to visit on my travel adventures trip. It was well worth the stop and there is also merchandise you can purchase at the museum that is related to this. This is the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken and a lot of great information inside the restaurant and museum. If you're in the Corbin area, worth a visit for sure. I recommend coming for a visit and even eat there too.See more..
Located on a major north-south corridor between two major cities, Bowling Green has a long history tied to the evolution of transportation in Kentucky; from steamboats traveling the Barren River to the railroad and eventually the current interstate systems. The current L&N Depot was built in 1925 to replace an older station. At one time, over 20 trains per day departed the current site, providing a hub for Bowling Green’s economic foundation and exposure to travelers between Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.See more..
4.5Locust Grove(232 reviews) - Free July 4th event with costumed docents. Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1792, Locust Grove, a three story brick Georgian home, is the final home of General George Rogers Clark, the founder of Louisville, and conqueror of the Old Northwest Territory. The house was built by his sister Lucy Croghan and her husband William Croghan who raised 8 children here and hosted their brother William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, as well as Presidents Monroe, Jackson and Taylor, Vice President Arron Burr, statesmen such as Cassius Clay, and several artists including John James Audubon. This National Historic Landmark has been restored to reflect the elegance of General Clark's time at Locust Grove. The 55 acres of gardens, fields and woodlands are open for exploration daily.See more..
From the time man first took flight in the early 1900s to the recent shuttle missions into space, South Central Kentucky has played a significant role in the history of aviation. One of the first pilots to fly in combat claimed ties to Bowling Green, as did a World War I flying ace, a pioneer instructor pilot, a Vietnam war hero, Commanders of the famed Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels, the Commander/Pilot of "Marine One", the presidential helicopter unit and the Mission Commander for the space shuttle Atlantis. These aviators - and their ties to South Central Kentucky - deserve to be recognized and celebrated so that future generations might be made aware of and motivated by their extraordinary achievements. This is the mission of Aviation Heritage Park.See more..
4.5Old State Capitol(127 reviews) - Visit the only capitol captured by the Confederate army. Monday: Architectural Buildings • History Museums • Government Buildings
The Old Capitol is privvy to some of Kentucky's speckled history. Free guided and self-guided tours are available.See more..
4.5The Lincoln Museum(118 reviews) - Worth a Visit! Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • History Museums
Founded in 1989, the Lincoln Museum is a community-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. The Lincoln Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 12 authenticated scenes from Lincoln’s life. On the second level are exhibits, memorabilia, and the Lincoln Days Art Collection. The Lincoln Museum is located on the town square overlooking a statue plaza featuring works from the 1909 Lincoln centennial celebration as well as more-recent bicentennial activities.See more..
4.5River Discovery Center(108 reviews) - A Little Gem With a Lot to Offer Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
The River Discovery Center's mission is to provide a fun, welcoming and educational environment in which visitors can learn about the importance of our rivers and the impact they have on our daily lives. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, guests will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of the our nation's rivers.See more..
The Kentucky Historical Society is the place to turn for anything related to Kentucky history. Our history campus in historic downtown Frankfort includes the premier library for Kentucky genealogy research, interactive exhibits that tell Kentucky's stories from prehistoric to current times, educational activities for all ages and more.See more..
I had heard about the Tilgman House Museum before my visit to Paducah. It was one of my main reasons for my visit to the Paducah area. Our guide Bill Baxter, the administrator gave a very compressive tour. This museum has a amazing collection of civil war artifacts. Bill introduces us to General Tilgman and his years in Paducah. He tells about the strategic importance of Paducah during the American Civil War. He introduced us to the Museum's very interesting collection. We learned about the house's history and the Museum's efforts to bring this house back to its former glory. I would urge anyone with an interest in history to visit the Tilghman House Museum.See more..
4.5Kentucky Coal Mining Museum(75 reviews) - Distinctive Museum with 4 Layers of Cultural History Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
Visitors to this special-interest museum can see many aspects of coal mining activities, including floor plans of typical underground mining operations.See more..
We stopped in here it's a big brick house. It has modern lazer map that goes along with a video. The gentlemen Paul I believe was his name was great. He made the house even more interesting he was very informative gave our boys pens and had a great sense of humor. He also had family history in this house and his family with the war in that area. See more..
5.0Liberty Hall Historic Site(70 reviews) - Beautiful house, fascinating history Monday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Liberty Hall Historic Site was the home of one of Kentucky's most important families. The site contains two houses: Liberty Hall (1796) built by John Brown, one of Kentucky's first United States Senator and the Orlando Brown House (1835), designed by Gideon Shryock, and owned by Senator Brown's second son. The site also includes more than 4 acres of manicured grounds and flower gardens. Guided tours Mon-Sun at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. mid-Mar to mid-Nov. Tours start at steps to Liberty Hall, 218 Wilkinson Street. In 1971 the federal government designated Liberty Hall as a National Historic Landmark. The site is a non-profit educational organization owned by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.See more..
4.5The Kentucky Museum(69 reviews) - Very nice Monday: Libraries • History Museums
Located on the grounds of Western Kentucky University, the museum features rich collections of decorative arts,artifacts focusing on Duncan Hines, the Civil War, Quilts, the Snell collection of European art and iconic items from America’s leaders in various fields, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmy Carter, Sandra Day O’Conner, Ken Burns, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charlie Daniels, Liza Minnelli and many, many more.See more..
3.5Paducah Railroad Museum(67 reviews) - Fun for all ages Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
My 3-year-old is a Thomas fanatic, so when we were visiting the area, we thought we'd drop by the railroad museum. You can't beat the price, and even if it was lame, we wouldn't have lost anything. However, their model train display is really fun with interesting routes and several trains to follow through tunnels and over bridges. They were thoughtful for the little ones by having step stools throughout. They also had a small Thomas display that kids can control with a switch, and my son LOVED it! He would've stood there all day if we had let him. I didn't get to browse the museum much since I was corralling a toddler, but it is FULL of historical artifacts that I'm sure any railroad history buff would love. This was a GREAT use of a couple hours!See more..
4.5South Union Shaker Village(66 reviews) - Must-see Historical Site Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Historic site of the South Union Shaker village, a community that existed from 1807-1922. The site includes a nationally recognized museum that houses exhibits about South Union's history, along with seven other supporting historic structures on 500 acres of farmland. This most southern of Shaker villages offers a unique look at the sect, a religious community that espoused equality of the sexes and races, technology, and simplicity in all things. Educational programming and events are offered and rentals are available.See more..
This wonderful Museum, Paducah's oldest and ONLY general history Museum, is housed in the block long 1905 Market House in the center of Paducah's historic downtown area. The Museum houses some of the finest and most unusual artifacts in the area, which illustrate Paducah's rich cultural and historic heritage. Explore a time line beginning with Native American residents, through Paducah's founding by famous explorer William Clark in 1827, and view the original hand drawn town maps and land grants signed by Clark. A superb, colorful Old Paris wedding vase, given as a wedding present to Clark by the Marquis deLafayette, is also on display. Also experience the magnificence of the complete DuBois Robertson Drug Store golden oak woodwork interior... a hand carved masterpiece from 1877...and gaze through the colorful panes of the original stained glass windows. On permanent display is the town's first motorized fire truck (a 1913 LaFrance!) Experience an extensive Civil War display including furniture used by the Lincoln's, as well as Generals US Grant and Lew Wallace while they were in Paducah (Wallace was of Ben Hur fame.) A very special quilt made by Mrs Robert E Lee is also on display. A Kentucky Orphan's reunion ribbon insignia display is always a favorite, as well as elaborate hoop skirt dresses, beautiful rosewood furniture and a stately antique lamp with pigeon's blood shade, once owned by Paducahan John T Scopes' grandmother (of the Scopes Monkey Trial fame.) A 'Kentucky Headline' exhibit depicts the sad plight of Floyd Collins, who was tragically trapped and died in a cave. The story caught the breathless attention of the nation in 1925. Our 'Hall of Heroes', designed in 2013, honors Paducah firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel. Newly opened in 2014 is the Alben W. Barkley Memorial Room, honoring the Paducah area native who was 35th Vice President under Harry S. Truman. The exhibit is in a separate room, and devoted entirely to personal artifa...See more..
Camp Nelson National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service. It shares the story and preserves the site that was established in 1863 by the U.S. military as a large supply depot. In 1864 it became one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African American men who became soldiers and also a large refugee center for formerly enslaved people seeking Emancipation.See more..
4.5Hopemont(60 reviews) - Interesting family connections! Monday: Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Hopemont, is a house museum that will be of interest to history, architecture, Civil War, and decorative arts enthusiasts. John Wesley Hunt, the first millionaire west of the Allegheny Mountains, constructed the Federal-style dwelling in 1814 for his urban residence. Henrietta Morgan, Hunt's daughter and mother of renowned Confederate general John Hunt Morgan, inherited the property in 1849. Hopemont features a collection of early Kentucky furniture, antique porcelain, and 19th-century paintings, which convey the status and tastes of the Hunt and Morgan families, who lived there from 1814 until 1891. Also on display are installations about hemp and the Civil War relative to Kentucky, Lexington, the Hunt and Morgan families, and the property itself. Hopemont also boasts a beautiful garden and a 19th-century carriage house.See more..
This is a fascinating historical museum from the authentic log cabin to the 'General Store' housed inside. You must stop in if you are in the area. Our favorite section of this museum was the General Store. When you walk inside you literally walk back in time. The rest of the museum houses antique and vintage clothes and outfits, a military section, a Native American Indian section, antique dolls, pioneer information, historical family bible, Abe Lincoln historical items and more. Super friendly docent and curator who are happy to answer any questions. The museum is laid out in an easy flowing manner and you can walk through quickly or linger as long as you like. We were probably there for an hour.See more..
The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center , is also known as the Museum of the Barrens. The history of life in the Barrens that includes Barren, Metcalfe, Monroe, Hart, and Allen Counties is illustrated in exhibits from early settlement to life in the 1960s. The museum is housed in the old Kentucky Pants Factory building located just off the Square at 200 West Water Street in the heart of Glasgow, KY. In addition to museum exhibits there is a genealogy library, a small gift shop, and an Art and Antique Mall located on Main street. Family friendly, see our Facebook or web page for programs that are offered throughout the year.See more..
This is a definite must see! Tons of Wayne Co history. It's very neat to go in and take a look around. See more..
5.0Bluegrass Heritage Museum(31 reviews) - History Allive Monday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Super place to relive history in and around Clark County and Kentucky. Check on line for monthly special events.See more..
3.5Blue Heron Interpretive Center(31 reviews) - Interesting and educational. Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
We came across this museum when camping. We found it very interesting even though everything was closed except 1 set of restrooms. You do a self walking tour and learn about the old coal mine, village complex, and worker conditions from the early 1900's. It is fairly old and most of the talking exhibits did not talk, but reading the informational boards gave you a pretty good idea of the history. Come with little or no expectations and you will find it to be very interesting. Prepare to walk a lot, so pick a cool day and bring your own water bottle. Please don't leave any liter because no one will pick it up. It is very understaffed.See more..
We went through the museum after a mine tour. Having seen the mine, lots of the museum displays made more sense. Tools, buildings etc. it’s quick and easy, well payed out and interesting. All volunteers and proceeds from the train tour and Whistle Stop restaurant help fund the museum.See more..
4.0William Arnold Log House(23 reviews) - William Arnold Log House Monday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
We stumbled upon this gem while on a local area photography day trip! We also had the fortune of showing up just as a historical society member was visiting the site. She gave us access, free reign to explore, and the time to take as many photos as we wished. The cabin was 216 years old at the time of our visit last week, and is amazing. There are two floors, each of which with fireplace, hearth and furnishings, including a book collection, from the period! From the pamphlet we were given, the hours of operation are as follows: Fridays, 11am-4pm, or by appointment by calling 859-824-9202 or e-mailing [email protected]See more..
4.0Museums of Hopkinsville(19 reviews) - A very nice local museum. Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Scavenger Hunts • History Museums
The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County is open for business! We look forward to hosting you. Visit Museums of Historic Hopkinsville Christian County in Hopkinsville, KY and discover the rich – and sometimes bizarre – history of southwestern Kentucky. From the early works of American psychic Edgar Cayce to tales of the Black Patch Tobacco Wars and the vigilante Night Riders, the past is present at this Kentucky museum. Whether you’re intrigued by the unusual or are drawn to the history of a place and its people, you’ll agree that a visit to Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County should be on every list of what to do in Kentucky. Enjoy both of our unique museums: the Pennyroyal Area Museum, featuring local and regional history, and the Woody Winfree Fire and Transportation Museum, focusing on firefighting and transportation history.See more..
Located in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, where the Kentucky River is born, lies the little town of Beattyville, Kentucky. Beattyville has a small town feel, but there is much more to see and discover about this quaint community! The Three Forks Historical Center is a museum that tells about the history of Beattyville and Lee County. There are many exhibits and artifacts that tell about the people and life of this wonderful community!See more..
The place to see amazing historical pieces and to learn more about the Pike County area. Artifcacts include subjects from the Hatfield and McCoy Feud to the pioneers that settled this area.See more..
4.0National Underground Railroad Museum(11 reviews) - Part of a field trip Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums This historical museum chronicles the central escape routes followed by fugitive slaves on their journey to freedom.See more..
4.0Wrather West Kentucky Museum(9 reviews) - Awesome! And Free! Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Universities & Schools • History Museums
The primary mission of the Wrather West Kentucky Museum is to highlight and promote an understanding of the social, cultural and economic development of West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase. Acquisitions, exhibits and special programs support this mission. Both permanent and changing exhibits are open to the public at no charge.See more..
4.5Hart County Historical Museum(7 reviews) - A hidden gem of history Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Military Museums • History Museums
The Hart County Historical Society Museum is located in the 1893 historic Chapline Building at 109 Main Street in Munfordville, KY. The building was built as a general mercantile by Joseph B. Chapline. The structure was built of bricks from the first Hart County courthouse. We are an educational, 501(c)3 organization established in 1968. Our mission is to preserve and share the history and lifeways of Hart County through the education of our audience and development of our heritage resources. Visitors come from many states to view Civil War displays including The General Simon Bolivar Buckner Room and numerous Buckner family artifacts and to conduct genealogy research. Our library contains over 1,200 surname files, census and cemetery books, school records, general history files, images and Civil War books. We also have Gift Shop items & tourism brochures. See more..
4.01811 Historic Jail(7 reviews) - Interesting Building and Stories Spent < 1 hour History Museums
The 1811 Jail in Augusta, Kentucky is thought to be the oldest jail in Kentucky with its original foundation. It is an interesting find and is tucked away at the city park known as Appelman Park. Call ahead or stop by the Tourism Office on Main Street and they will gladly open it for you and give you a tour. It has been investigated several times for paranormal activity and definitely gives you a look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner back in the day.See more..
4.0Rose Hill Museum(6 reviews) - Great time Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Next to the Kentucky state penitentiary, this was once a tavern and a bunk house for the guards. Eddeyville was partially flooded when they built Kentucky lake dam. Great minature working display of iron ore processing, artifacts and history of the prison and the town. Some civil war items. Suggestion 5 dollar donation. Worth the visit!See more..
4.5Kentucky River Museum(6 reviews) - Be sure to stop in.... Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums Also at Fort Boonesborough State Park is the Kentucky River Museum. To reach the museum, go past the pool to the cluster of white houses. The signage is poor or non-existant, but don't let that stop you! Tours are given on a limited schedule. We were fortunate enough to have a family member of the last Lockkeeper / Rivermaster to guide our tour. The museum contains period furnishings, clothing, photos, etc, of the early 1900's through the 1950's. The museum affords a unique glimpse of local history through the life legacy of a family. Be sure to sit on the porch in the rocking chairs and watch the river roll by. Take a stroll down to the river to view the remains of Lock #10.See more..
The history of the area was well presented. So much that I didn't know. Daniel Boone, the revolutionary war, how dy Indians were involved. How the settlers came over the past. And prehistoric animals. Very nice presentation.See more..
This was a great little musuem. We enjoy history and this museum was very informative. Nice stop on our road trip.See more..
4.5Bittersweet Cabin Village(4 reviews) - Hidden Gem in Renfro Valley Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
We were in town for a concert and checked this out. It was free an well worth checking out. It's small takes about 30 minutes. I recommend watching the movie shown in one of the cabins.See more..
This is a wonderful museum. Wish I had more time. Lots of memorabilia from Civil War to Viet Nam and local society. Spinning wheels, loom, and old homesteads. Lincoln exhibit and local history. Former home of the post office and library. Currently houses Hardin County Genealogical Society. Volunteers were extremely helpful and full of information. Hours limited 10 to 2.See more..
4.5James A. Ramage Civil War Museum(2 reviews) - Decent Civil War museum Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
This was a neat stop. The museum is located on the site of Hooper Battery and former home of Fern Storer, a well-known food editor for the now defunct Cincinnati Post from 1951 to 1976. It houses several exhibits about Civil War history at large and of those units in the local area. Although no battles were fought here it is still a good stop that doesn't cost anything (donations suggested) and provides good information. There is parking on site and the grounds are covered in a variety of trees from all of the the country, each with signs. It is a beautiful walk in and of itself.See more..
Bet youve always wanted to own a turnip kraut-cutter, or, for that matter, a calf-weaner? Come see these and other items from the Colonial era, the Civil War and WWII displayed here.See more..
We were greeted by a very nice man. It's not a very big museum but they cover all the history of Middletown, KY from the 1700s through the 1900s. The displays are very well done and everything is labeled so you know exactly what you are looking at. My favorite things in the museum were the folk art type carvings of figurines of famous people that used to be part of the "louisville clock". If you are interested in local history you should check this place out.See more..
My husband visited many times as a child, however this was my first visit. I found it amazing. The structure’s history is very impressive as well as the current condition. The grounds are lovely. Families picnicking. The museum held many treasures. One of our favorite was Jefferson Davis’ walking stick. See more..
We usually like to self tour museums (even been known to walk out if there are only guided tours) but the man walking around with us was so nice and entertaining it didn't bother us at all. He was giving us a sort of history lesson but he was funny while he was doing it. He was great. The place isn't large at all (only one room) but they manage to cover the prehistoric period, the early settlements in the area, the civil war, the early 1900s town, WWI, the Mt. Sterling train and depot, and other things in between. The building that houses the museum was built in 1897 and was originally the Fire Department before later becoming the library and then the city court. Definitely worth checking it out.See more..
5.0George Morgan Thoumas House(1 review) - A beautiful house, museum, decorated in the past. Spent 1-2 hours History Museums Touring this beautiful old house was one of the best parts of our day. It has old furnishings and is spick and span. Very informed and friendly volunteers. This is truly a gem and we'll visit again and encourage you to go to Vanceburg and see it's museums.See more..
